David Inglis to lead Northwestern University

MARTIN DEMPSTER

David Inglis, the one-time golden boy in Lothians golf, has been promoted to Head Coach at Northwestern University in Chicago.

He takes over the post from the legendary Pat Goss, who helped Luke Donald become world No.1 during a 16-year working relationship with the Englishman.

Goss has been elevated to Director of Golf and Player Development, allowing Inglis to step up from assistant coach in a restructuring of the ‘Wildcats’.

Inglis, from Roslin, right, cut his golfing teeth at Glencorse and looked destined for great things after winning the British Boys’ Championship in 2000.

He then played on a winning Walker Cup side at Ganton in 2002 and claimed all sorts of honours during a successful spell at the University of Tulsa.

After pursuing a career as a touring professional, Inglis spent five years as an instructor and junior coach at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, before moving to Northwestern University to take his first college coaching job as an assistant prior to the 2010-11 season.

A two-time finalist for the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Jan Strickland Award as the nation’s top assistant, Inglis’ promotion ensures he will not earn that distinction for a third-straight year.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be the head coach of Northwestern men’s golf,” said Inglis. “Coach Goss could not be a better role model for not only our players but me as a coach and I have learned so much from him in my four years in Evanston.

“I am excited to continue working with him every day to build a true national force in college golf. I am proud of what our student-athletes have accomplished so far and I know the future is bright for Northwestern golf.”

Northwestern has qualified for the NCAA Regionals in all four of Inglis’ seasons as a Wildcats assistant.

He already has held primary responsibility for recruiting for several years, showing an eye to pick out talent by signing 2013 US Amateur champion and former World No.1 amateur Matt Fitzpatrick in 2012.

“We are incredibly excited to promote David Inglis to head coach of the men’s programme,” said Goss, who worked with Donald from the time he joined Northwestern in 1997 until just over a year ago. “David has done an outstanding job as a recruiter and coach. Most importantly, though, David embraces the values Northwestern Athletics represents for our student-athletes and understands what makes Northwestern such a special place. He is an incredible asset to our programme and I am confident he will lead the men’s golf programme to the top of the Big Ten and the nation.

“Promoting David to head coach completes what I believe is the best staff in college golf.”

Another Glencorse golfer is preparing to take over as captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. George Macgregor begins his year in office with the traditional drive-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course tomorrow.